Volume 8, Number 9 - Fall 1984


President's Message
by Alan Schmitt

Since becoming President of the society, I have enjoyed and appreciated the many items of correspondence that I have received from the membership. While some of the notes have concerned society business, many have been expressions of support for the work of the society and sharing of ideas, suggestions, and comments about how our organization can become more involved in preserving, promoting, and protecting the rich historical heritage of the White River Valley.

However, I recently received a note from one of our members that concerned me. In it the comment was made, "They (meaning the majority of our membership) do not care what the society does, they want (quarterly) stories." If that comment is indeed indicative of the majority of our membership, and I sincerely hope it is not, then somehow over the years the original intent of our group, as I interpret it, has been lost or obscured. While the quarterly is the focal point of our organization, and is a major element in the preservation of our history, without an active society behind it, I doubt if there would be a quarterly!

At the beginning of my term of office I was informed that we do not sell subscriptions to a magazine, we offer memberships in a historical society. I realize that many of our members live away from the White River Valley region and are unable to be actively involved in the work and projects of the society. However, they still believe in what we are doing and they are still loyal in their support of what we do. I sincerely believe that they want to be members of an active, doing, organization and I equally believe that they like, and deserve, to be informed about what we are accomplishing. There is an unlimited amount of undiscovered history throughout the White River Valley, and if, as a group, we are not committed to actively working to preserve, promote, and protect it, who will?

I am constantly reminded of the old adage, that I have shared with many of you, that states, "There are ever so many willing people in the world. A few who are willing to do the work and many who are willing to let them!" This summer I received a note in which I was cautioned not to "preach" too much. I responded to that comment by stating that to preach is to enthusiastically proclaim that which one believes in. I believe in the White River Valley Historical Society and I enthusiastically program it whenever and wherever I can! With that same spirit of enthusiasm I challenge and encourage each of you to become one of the "willing." One of those committed members that will be willing to become actively involved, and do the work of our society!

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